Podcasts

Contact

John L. GroveCollege of Business

Shippensburg University gratefully honors John L. and Cora I. Grove for their significant support of the "To Enhance the Tradition" Capital Campaign. John and Cora Grove were the first to make a major commitment to this campaign by establishing an endowment fund to provide for a student scholars program, research and professional development and new initiatives within the College of Business.

As lifelong residents to the Cumberland Valley, John and Cora Grove have positively influenced the region through their philanthropy and service to others. Through Mr. Grove's service on the SU Foundation Board of Directors, and through their financial commitment to the University, the Groves have led the way for others to see the significant contribution they too can make through their volunteer work and financial support.

Known all over the world in the equipment industry, John Grove is renowned as an innovator, entrepreneur and creative mechanical wizard.

On "one of the greatest days of my life" John Grove said the following during Shippensburg University's commencement address on May 9, 1987, at which time he was conferred the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa.

"Carry forward your responsibility to society in order to leave this world better than you found it. Don't allow wealth to stop your caring for others. Don't allow your head to grow larger than your heart. Be willing to sacrifice for things that you desire and in which you believe, and don't ask more of others than you would of yourself." - John. L. Grove

John L. Grove

John L. Grove

(January 26, 1921  June 16, 2003) was an American inventor and industrialist, primarily known for developing the hydraulic crane and access lift industries.

Born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1921, John and his older brothers Dwight and Wayne Nicarry started building farm wagons in Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, and officially founded Grove Manufacturing Company in 1947. Needing a method of moving heavy steel for the wagons, John used his knowledge of hydraulics to develop a rudimentary crane. Dealer interest in John's crane soon lead to the decision to produce the first mobile hydraulic industrial cranes. That decision quickly transformed the company from a manufacturer of farm implements to a world leader in the crane market. In the late 1950s, John's work with Paul K. Shockey developed an all-steel hydraulic extension ladder for use on fire trucks. Within Grove Manufacturing, John oversaw the crane division while Dwight dealt with the farm equipment.

Rapid growth, primarily due to demand for the hydraluc cranes, resulted in the company expanding to over 1,000 employees by 1967. That same year, against John's wishes, Grove Manufacturing was sold to the Walter Kidde Company. Internal strife between the brothers, and possible health issues, caused John to leave the company in 1968.

In 1969, John along with Paul Shockey started Condor Industries and began manufacturing truck-mounted 'cherry-picker' style lifts, primarily for the aircraft maintenance industry. In 1973, Condor Industries was renamed JLG Industries (JLG for John L. Grove). With innovative products and designs, such as mounting lifts on track-driven frames, locating the crane operators cab on the turret, less expensive truck mounted cranes, and 'scissors' lifts, JLG Industries had over 700 employees and 30 million in sales by the late 1970s.

By the end of his career, John held over 60 patents.

The John L. Grove College of Business at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is named in honor of him.